Findings from the 2014 Labor Force Survey in Sierra Leone

Résumé En

Jobs are critical to poverty reduction and inclusive growth in Sierra Leone, where more than half the population is poor and most are dependent on labor earnings. The country will require substantial job creation to accommodate its young and growing population, coupled with low labor intensity in the mining sector that has been driving recent growth. Adding to this challenge is the need to improve the quality of jobs in a context where most workers are engaged in low productivity activities. Given that Sierra Leone is a post-conflict country, jobs are also central to sustained stability. Yet, despite the importance of jobs for Sierra Leone, the design of policies and interventions to promote these opportunities has been constrained by a limited knowledge base. The 2014 Labor Force Survey report seeks to contribute to solutions to the jobs challenge in Sierra Leone through a foundational analysis of the country's first dedicated labor survey in nearly three decades. The report provides an overview of the employment situation in Sierra Leone, ranging from labor force participation to the types of employment among the working-age population. Through analysis of specialized modules, the report sheds light on key constraints to self-employment in agricultural activities and non-farm household enterprises, which are, respectively, the first-and second-largest sources of jobs in the economy. It also highlights the extent of informality in both wage employment and non-farm self-employment as well as how an individual's status in the labor market relates to poverty. The report also presents information on skills levels and how basic skills are acquired by the working age population. Finally, the report discusses issues related to youth employment and the specific constraints faced by youth in gaining access to productive job opportunities.